Fri Jul 18 08:52:04 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, attended a public meeting in Puthuppally, Kerala, commemorating the second death anniversary of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. He lauded Chandy’s deep connection with the people, his resilience in the face of political attacks, and his dedication to public service. Gandhi urged party leaders and members to emulate Chandy’s example, emphasizing the importance of empathy and genuine care for the people. Gandhi also participated in memorial events, including paying respects at Chandy’s tomb, handing over houses built by the Oommen Chandy Foundation, and launching a KPCC charitable initiative named Smrithi Tharangam.
**News Article:**
**Rahul Gandhi Urges Leaders to Emulate Oommen Chandy’s People-First Politics at Memorial Event**
**KOTTAYAM, KERALA – July 18, 2025** – Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, paid tribute to former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at a public meeting held in Puthuppally, Kottayam district, marking the second anniversary of Chandy’s death. Gandhi emphasized the need for political leaders to connect with and care for the people, citing Chandy as a master of this crucial skill.
“The real tragedy in Indian politics is that very few people care for others, listen to them or touch them. Oommen Chandy was one of the masters of political feeling I have come across in my political life,” Gandhi stated.
Gandhi recounted Chandy’s resilience in the face of intense political criticism and unfair attacks. He also hailed Chandy as a mentor who led by example, encouraging young leaders to embrace the “tradition of politics of Kerala” characterized by empathy and dedication to public service. He specifically highlighted Chandy’s initiative, Sruthi Tharangam, aimed at ensuring all children in Kerala have access to hearing.
The memorial events included a visit to Chandy’s tomb at St. George Orthodox Church, where Gandhi offered floral tributes. He also participated in a ceremony handing over the keys to twelve houses built by the Oommen Chandy Foundation to beneficiaries and launched the KPCC’s new charitable initiative, Smrithi Tharangam, in Chandy’s memory.
UDF leaders, religious figures, and community leaders were present at the event, including AICC general secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Deepa Das Munshi, KPCC president Sunny Joseph, and Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III.
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